Boeing plans $1 billion expansion in South Carolina

The Boeing Co. is expanding in South Carolina, announcing it will invest $1 billion and create 2,000 new jobs over the next eight years.

Company spokeswoman Candy Eslinger on Tuesday confirmed the expansion at the company’s $750 million 787 assembly plant in North Charleston. The first 787 made in South Carolina rolled off the assembly line a year ago.

News of the expansion was first reported by The Post and Courier.

Eslinger says that the company is committed to the investment to qualify for economic development incentives being proposed this week in the state General Assembly.

The newspaper reported House Speaker Bobby Harrell and state Sen. Hugh Leatherman plan to introduce legislation Tuesday providing $120 million to offset Boeing’s upfront expansion costs, like site preparation and utility expenses.